strengthen our knowledge creation and spreading mechanisms.
That is why knowledge sector is a prime area of focus.
Yesterday I was at the International Conference of Academic
Institutions. Among all the events of the Summit, this one is most
important for me. Under a single roof, we had 135 universities
& institutes from 56 nations and 60 universities & institutions
from 14 states participating in the conference. Several MoUs
were signed and I got an opportunity to interact with many of
the sharpest minds that have made a mark for themselves in
academics. I am certain that the universities of Gujarat will gain
immensely from an event such as this.
Another area of focus of the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit is
Small and Medium Industries Sector. A few days back I was in
Surat attending a gems and jewellery exhibition where I heard
Government of India data that stated that growth of small industry
in India stands at around 19% whereas in Gujarat the figure is
85%! The biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summits have contributed
immensely in this. At the same time, this is a fitting answer to
the handful anti-Gujarat elements that have time and again tried
to cast misleading aspersions on the industrial development of
Gujarat.
Through the Summit, we would also like to continue the focus on
technology exchange, skill development and innovation so that
our youngsters get the best of opportunities to fulfil their various
dreams. We want each one of you to create your own path of
growth and add to the prosperity of our state and our nation.
One of the most interesting facets of this year’s Summit is the
Global Trade Show 2013. This is India’s biggest ever exhibition,
spanning across over 1 lakh square meters and one that involves
1200 companies displaying over 25,000 products. A separate
pavilion has been given to promote entrepreneurship among
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